BHINEKA TUNGGAL IKA in KAKAWIN SUTASOMA

(by: Erkwan Martinus / 190510026)

My Comment:
“Bhineka Tunggal Ika” is a quote from Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular.
“Bhineka Tunggal Ika” means "Different but still one". The meaning of “Bhineka Tunggal Ika”
is that although they are different, in essence, the Indonesian nation is still one unit. Indonesia
uses “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” to describe the unity and integrity of the Nation and the Unitary
State of the Republic of Indonesia which consists of various cultures, regional languages, races,
ethnicities, religions, and beliefs.
So, the question is how can the different things become one unit? To answer this
question depends on the subject who addresses how diversity can become one. Such diversity
is not a contradictory difference, but rather it is united in a synthesis which in turn enriches the
nature and meaning of the unity of the Indonesian nation and state. For the Indonesian people,
the motto of “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” is the basis for realizing the unity and integrity of
Indonesia. The realization of the motto “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” in everyday life is carried out
by living a tolerant way; with mutual respect between people with one another regardless of
ethnicity, customs, language, religion, skin color, etc.
We know that Indonesia is an archipelagic country consisting of thousands of islands
where each region has different customs, languages, rules, customs, and others without any
awareness of attitude to maintain “Bhineka Tunggal Ika”. there is various chaos in the life of
the nation and state. With the motto of “Bhineka Tunggal Ika”, we must throw away our selfish
attitude or our region without caring about common interests. If this happens, our country will
surely fall apart. Therefore, let us maintain “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” as well as possible so that
the unity of the nation and state of Indonesia is maintained.